DJ Kitty
DJ Kitty
[I have no idea where I got this image, apologies to whomever sent me to it! Sorry, I forgot!! Please see me getting down on my knees to apologize—dang, it's funny!!]
A shocking thing I’ve learned from starting NaNoWriMo…
It’s official. I am addicted.
I’m addicted to blogging and interacting with you all; I’ve missed you!
I haven’t posted here since October 28th and it’s the longest span of time lapsed in between posts since I started blogging. I was itching to get back to my blog today and am giving an official shout out to Casey for reminding me that I was going to bring you along on my writing experiment journey (thank you, Casey!). I’m back!
(Check out Casey, the author of the blog, North and Clark. He often podcasts awesome interviews and I’ve been enjoying his posts and interviewing style. Check out this post where he interviews talented cartoonist, Emi.)
About NaNoWriMo
I spent the last couple of days leading to the start of NaNoWriMo ensuring I had my ducks in a row, making sure my outline made sense, and reading other posts about last minute tips and tricks, including Larry’s newly released ebook about story structure (excellent, by the way!) and Suzannah’s excellent post about preparing for NaNoWriMo.
To reach 60,000 words by November 30, I’ll need to write 1,667 words a day. But, I’ll be otherwise encumbered for turkey day the 24th through the 28th, so to finish by the 24th I’m shooting for 2,500 words a day.
As of today, I’m a pinch over 5,000 words and later this afternoon/evening I’ll add the next 2,500.
Lori's Type-A Chart
It’s been really fun, and to be honest, I’ve loved the writing thus far. I had a blast planning my story in the last month or so—which has made all the difference for an enjoyable writing experience. I am definitely not a pantser.
I’ve set up my novel to include 60 plot points. So, really, it’s the equivalent to writing two 1,000-word blog posts a day. Not that bad, right?
I better get back to the drawing board…
For now, know I’m still here and taking writing breaks to read your blogs. Thanks for inspiration, diversion, and entertainment at your blogs!
I’ll be back here at Jane Be Nimble on November 4th for a brief update about my RAOKA pledge for the month of October with Sami and company and to let you know about November’s theme.
Finally, I want to give a shout out to John at Hi Life 2B. He’s a groovy cat blogging about leading a good life, plus, he blogs while attending college, too! He’s not afraid to put himself out there and as a result inspires us—as evidenced by this awesome post about video blogging even without make up! John, it has been a joy getting to know you and reading your posts and Tweets. Keep up the great work!
What does a kitty ripping the beat have to to with NaNoWriMo, shout outs, or this blog? Absolutely nothing. But it’s funny, isn’t it??
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Lori this is a truely inspiring undertaking.
“It’s the equivalent to writing two 1,000-word blog posts a day. Not that bad, right”
Are you kidding? If I am feeling bubbly my posts might make it to 300 words. Serious ambition chica.
Also, thanks for shouting out Emi and me in your post, maybe some day I will have you on the blog in one form or another.
Casey Brazeal (North and Clark)´s last blog ..Guest Post Round Up
Hi Casey,
Well, my writing experiment would be inspiring if it actually produced a story anyone would want to read, right? (lol)
You know, I formerly interviewed scientists while I was employed as a writer in biotech, and I could say the same thing about podcasting and interviewing (you rock)! Your interviews are well done, juicy, and unique. It used to take me forever to pull off a good interview.
I also like that you host artists, musicians, writers, and poets at your blog. Great stuff, Casey! Keep up the great work! Also, thanks for offering to put me with the ranks of Emi, IJ Quinn, Josh Hanagarne, and Ian Randall as an interviewee – are you sure you want to do that?!
And, again, thanks for your Tweet, which reminded me to post about NaNoWriMo!
You’re the best.
Thanks for the updates! Congratulations on meeting your NaNoWriMo goals so far. 60 plot points, eh? is that a lot? It seems like a lot. I’ve never written a novel before though, so I don’t know. I *do* know that you’re completely awesome, and I have no doubt that your novel will be equally awesome!
Jay Schryer´s last blog ..The Perfectionism Myth
Hi Jay,
I hope I can stay on point; I must admit that I need to be a bit more disciplined than I am normally to finish on time. Uh oh…
I hear you about the 60 plot points. This year I have been doing a lot of “studying” regarding novel and story structure, and I’ve read that a typical story has about 60 plot points. I might be interchanging “plot point” with the word “scene” though. But, hey, my Ph.D is in molecular biology, not literature – so I hope I get a pass if a writing instructor reads this disagrees.
Better yet, if you’re a writing ‘guru’ and you’re reading this comment, what do you think?
Thanks for your support and comment, Jay, you ROCK! It helps to know you’re rooting for me!
Hi Lori:
Thanks for the update and good luck with your writing. I agree with Jay, 60 plot points sounds intense! I’m looking forward to finding more about your book and writing experience.
Tim´s last blog ..10 Things I’ve Learned From Getting Laid Off
Hey Tim,
I really appreciate your support and cheering me on. It really helps!!!
Read my comment to Jay – I think I might be interchanging “plot point” and “scene” and might be using the wrong term?
Either way, I had never considered outlining a novel prior to starting, but I’ve read some REALLY great stuff this year in preparation for my writing experiment that has helped me a ton!
When December 1 rolls around, and in the coming weeks, too, I’ll let you know how this approach worked out.
Thanks for your comment, Tim.
YAY! Thanks so much for the shoutout, Lori! You’ve become such a great friend to me as well.
I would like to both formally and informally congratulate you for achieving your goals. Well done.
YES!!! WOOOO!!! I knew you could do it!
John´s last blog ..Grab Missed Opportunities By Not Caring About the Outcome
Hey John, no problem! I wanted to do this for you and to tell people about you. You’re full of awesomeness!
Thanks for your congratulations for my first two days. Has it only been TWO??? Hey, that’s 8.33% of the way there! (lol)
Can you be my personal man-cheerleader?
Thanks for your comment, John!
I’m always amazed at how much people persevere during NaNoWriMo! I know that if I spend too much time writing I start getting ill and you guys keep pushing to 50,000 words!!
Anyway, that’s the good thing about being an RSS subscriber, you just write whenever you feel like it and we’ll be here.
Hayden Tompkins´s last blog ..Rock the Best Calendar EVER!
Well, Hayden, I get you there. By the time I finished last night, and also having written this post, my hands were cramping! No joke!
Only about 20 days left for me. I certainly have to say I have a lot of respect for people who write novels for a living! Whew!
Hey, and thanks for subscribing. It’s great to see you here when you can make it. No pressure, tho, it should feel fun to come here. Same for you!
Hello Lori!!
Whoa! You are a writing machine! I love the way you are “attacking” this project, you actually seem excited and full of joy! 8.33% huh? LOL Your scientific background is showing!!
I agree with John, you ARE awsome and, if it’s ok with John, I’ll join your cheer leading squad!
Give me an “L” L!
Give me an “O” O!
Give me an “R” R!
Give me an “I” I!
What’s that spell? LORI!
What’s that spell? LORI! WOOOHOOOOO!!!!!!!
Keith! Wow!! That’s one of the best man-cheers I’ve heard in a long time!
Is this a hidden talent? This cheering thing?
Yeah, you totally got me there with my number crunching habit. I studied kinetic mechanisms as post-doctoral fellow. Numbers, numbers galore! I have to admit, I really miss studying pseudo-first-order rate kinetics carried out by ribozymes.
Thanks again for your support. It means a lot!
Wow – you are inspiring! I am soooo excited for you and your writing goals. AWESOME! Give yourself a big hug for simply making the commitment to do it! I’m proud of you and for you! Keep us updated. YAY you!!!!!
Hi Suzen! You know, you have an interesting point there. Taking the first step to commit and plan had me on the fence for awhile. But, to be honest, since my MS flared up again, I’ve been craving adventure.
So what if it’s going to have to happen on the page as opposed to a mountain top???
Thanks for your support. Hugs to you, too, and sure, I’ll do my best to keep you updated as well.
Hmm… I’m seeing a showdown between Keith and John to be Lori’s man-cheerleader. Video blogpost, anyone?
You rock… and don’t even get me started on your Type A chart and 60 plot points. You can take the girl out of the lab, but can’t take the lab out of the girl!
Lisis´s last blog ..Shifting from “Why?” to “Why Not?”
Hey Lisis,
You are so funny; woman, if you were able to inspire a man-cheerleader video blogpost, I’d PAY to watch it! Maybe even start a collection, because, girl, it’s bound to be full of awesomeness!
Yeah, Lisis, you nabbed me. Once a scientist, always a scientist.
The chart was a writing break, is it obvious??? ha
Thanks for visiting and for your comedy break. You are one funny chicka!
Congratulations, Lori! You’re on a roll!
I hear you about getting into the writing, and how those plot points and scenes need to be there. I think I’ve got everything plotted out soundly, then I’ll get to a point in the writing and realize how I’ve got no idea how I’m going to get to the next major development.
It’s moments like that you just have to let go and trust the creative flow!
And I so want to see those cheerleader video blogposts!
Gayze´s last blog ..Creative Overload: Knitting and NaNo!
Hi Gazye,
You are one writing machine! I just checked your stats and you’re past 11,000 words!! Take a bow, ma’am! You’re 18.33% there!!
You said a lot when you said to trust the creative flow. I feel like this whole endeavor is just a practice run for how to NOT write a novel! ha I think it will be good, in the end, to have tried a totally different approach to writing. I tend to be way too calculating and sometimes that initiates creative paralysis.
This, too, shall pass and I just KNOW I’ll learn something from it!
Good for you, Gayze, go get ‘em! Have fun!!!
Hey Lori, if you would ask me to talk that amount of words, no problemo, BUT ask me to write and I become stum.
So I am in awe and I am sending you virtual chicken soup, hot drinks and hugs when you need it.
Male cheerleaders hey, how could you be co lucky, you are going to rock your socks off.
PS I was wondering why that chart, yes Lisis sorry about that why, now I know, writer’s break, ha.
I should try charts too, BTW did it work and did you get back inspired by your chart????
Hugs, you big writer, you.
Wilma Ham´s last blog ..Intimacy and sponsorship happen through listening; how well do we listen?
Thanks, Wilma!
You’re so sweet to make me feel good about what I’m doing. Thanks for the virtual care package – I really need it!
I’m a HUGELY a visual person – in learning, entertainment, everything, I just love pictures. And, when I was a scientist, I loved the process of representing scientific findings visually via charts, graphs, etc. In fact, that’s how I first became so “good” *ahem* with graphic design software – to support my scientific data.
Anhoo, to answer your question, that’s a big fat YES!! It really helped me see what I had signed up for by seeing visually the goals I need to hit everyday. I really think anyone can tackle a mountain if it is just broken down into steps, small steps each day.
Again, the challenge is getting Ms. MS to play along. Today has been tough. Tomorrow will be better.
Thanks for your comment, Wilma!